Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on <i>The Thing Around Your Neck</i> and <i>Under the Udala Tree</i>

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang; Charlotte Munge

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang, Charlotte Munge

Published in International Journal of Literature and Arts (Volume 8, Issue 6)

Received: 3 November 2020 Accepted: 20 November 2020 Published: 4 December 2020

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Abstract

This study demonstrates that prejudices towards homosexuals in Africa are stifling. Such bigotries stem from deeply rooted African traditional beliefs, and partly from the “ideals” of adopted religions. It is, therefore, unlikely for conformists of heterosexuality to experience resistance and homophobic tendencies. Adherents to this view include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinelo Okparanta in there texts The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree respectively. These writers also hold that restraints, constraints and exclusion of all sorts form the caucus of xenophobia towards homosexuality in Africa. The paper argues that, homosexuality is not strictly a global northern issue; but also, an African phenomenon, even though it meets with unprecedented resentment and resistance due to received religions and socio-cultural stereotypes. The objective of this study is to examine, interpret, and analyze the texts, and showcase the deplorable attitude of Africans towards LGBT practitioners. The analytical framework is based on indebt examination of the tests, using Queer and Deconstructionist perspectives as theoretical constructs. The study reveals that no form of sexuality is superior to another, as a result, no form should be encourage or discourage, because sexuality is innate. Also, heterosexuality is seemingly a sexual preference in Africa, but wrapped – up in a cluster of homosexuality which existence is behind the scene in Africa.

Published in	International Journal of Literature and Arts (Volume 8, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14
Page(s)	326-334
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Homosexuality, Xenophobia, Deconstruction, Africa, Critical Discourse

References

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[2]	Butler, J. (2004). Undoing Gender. New York: Routledge.
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[4]	Brown, D. (2003). The Da Vinci Code. New York: Anchor Books.
[5]	Bomgmba, E. K. (2016). Homosexuality, Ubuntu, and Otherness in African Church in Advance. Rice University.
[6]	Dunton, C. (1989) Whyting be Dat? The Treatment of Homosexuality in Africa Literature. Research in African Literature, 20 (3), 427–438.
[7]	Dalacoura, K. (2014). “Homosexuality as Cultural Battleground in the Middle - East and Postcolonial International Theory.” Third World Quarterly: South Series, 35, (7), 1290–1306.
[8]	Fuss, D. (1991). Inside/Out Lesbian Theories; Gay Theories. Routledge.
[9]	Ghitis, F. (2013). “Hillary Clinton Global Legacy on Gay Rights”. Accessed June 13, 2019; from: https://www.cnn.com/2013/01/30/opinion/ghistis-hillary-clinton-lgbt-rights/index.htm.
[10]	Guney, A. & Kaan, G. (2008). “A Brief Description of Jacque Derrida’s Deconstruction and Hermeneutics”. University of Cumhuriyet. The e-Journal of New World Sciences Academy, 3 (2), 220-232.
[11]	Hopkins, E. (2012). Tilt. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.
[12]	“Homosexuality and Africans: Pan-African Positions on Gay Rights and Black Gay”, 2014.
[13]	Kaoma, K. (2018) Is Homosexuality an African or Un African Human Rights Issues? In Christianity, Globalisation, and Protective Homophobia. Paigrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66341-8_1. Accessed 04/16/2020.
[14]	The Holy Bible. (1973) New International Version. Colorado Springs.
[15]	Mususa, P (2017). Homosexuality is still a Taboo in Many African Countries. Nordic African Institute News (Para5-6) accessed August 1,2019 from:( https//www.nai.uu.se/and-events/news/2017-11-17-homoseuality-is-still-taboo-in-many-african-countries.htm).
[16]	Moon, D. (2014) “Beyond the Dichotomy: Six Religious Views of Homosexuality.” Marquette University. Journal of Homosexuality, 61. (9), 3-14.
[17]	Mechuma, S. W. (2016). A Constitutional Approach to the Discrimination of Homosexuality in Africa: A Comparison of Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. LLD Thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria. Viewed 2020/03/10. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/56992.
[18]	Naskar, A. (2017) Either Civilized or Phobic: A Treaties on Homosexuality. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Texas, USA.
[19]	Okparanta, C. (2015) Under the Udala Trees. London: Granta Publications.
[20]	Oluwashia, D. A. (2014) Why can’t he just be Like Everyone Else? An Open Letter to Chimamanda Ngozi.
[21]	Quinn, R. M. (2015) Chinelo Okparanta on Faith, War and Being Gay in Nigeria: Her Debut Novel, Under the Udala Trees, Interview/book launch at Housing Works.
[22]	Rich, A. (1980) “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence. “Women: Sex and Sexuality, 5, (4), 632-643.
[23]	Rocca, X. F. (2015). Africa Defend Conservative Line on Gays, Divorce at Catholic Bishops’ Synod. Wall Street Journal Newsletter April 8^th.
[24]	Rubin, S. G. (1992) Thinking Sex: Notes for a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality. Pleasure and Danger: Exploring Female Sexuality. Pandora,
[25]	Whipple, S. (2012). Homosexuality in Africa: The Causes of States Discrimination based on Orientation. New York: Albany University Press.
[26]	Zabus, C. (2013) Out in Africa: Same-Sex desire in Sub-Saharan Literature Cultures. Paris: James Curry.

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Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang, Charlotte Munge. (2020). Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree. International Journal of Literature and Arts, 8(6), 326-334. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang; Charlotte Munge. Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree. Int. J. Lit. Arts 2020, 8(6), 326-334. doi: 10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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AMA Style

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang, Charlotte Munge. Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree. Int J Lit Arts. 2020;8(6):326-334. doi: 10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14,
  author = {Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang and Charlotte Munge},
  title = {Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree},
  journal = {International Journal of Literature and Arts},
  volume = {8},
  number = {6},
  pages = {326-334},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijla.20200806.14},
  abstract = {This study demonstrates that prejudices towards homosexuals in Africa are stifling. Such bigotries stem from deeply rooted African traditional beliefs, and partly from the “ideals” of adopted religions. It is, therefore, unlikely for conformists of heterosexuality to experience resistance and homophobic tendencies. Adherents to this view include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinelo Okparanta in there texts The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree respectively. These writers also hold that restraints, constraints and exclusion of all sorts form the caucus of xenophobia towards homosexuality in Africa. The paper argues that, homosexuality is not strictly a global northern issue; but also, an African phenomenon, even though it meets with unprecedented resentment and resistance due to received religions and socio-cultural stereotypes. The objective of this study is to examine, interpret, and analyze the texts, and showcase the deplorable attitude of Africans towards LGBT practitioners. The analytical framework is based on indebt examination of the tests, using Queer and Deconstructionist perspectives as theoretical constructs. The study reveals that no form of sexuality is superior to another, as a result, no form should be encourage or discourage, because sexuality is innate. Also, heterosexuality is seemingly a sexual preference in Africa, but wrapped – up in a cluster of homosexuality which existence is behind the scene in Africa.},
 year = {2020}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree
AU  - Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang
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PY  - 2020
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DO  - 10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14
T2  - International Journal of Literature and Arts
JF  - International Journal of Literature and Arts
JO  - International Journal of Literature and Arts
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EP  - 334
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2331-057X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14
AB  - This study demonstrates that prejudices towards homosexuals in Africa are stifling. Such bigotries stem from deeply rooted African traditional beliefs, and partly from the “ideals” of adopted religions. It is, therefore, unlikely for conformists of heterosexuality to experience resistance and homophobic tendencies. Adherents to this view include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinelo Okparanta in there texts The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree respectively. These writers also hold that restraints, constraints and exclusion of all sorts form the caucus of xenophobia towards homosexuality in Africa. The paper argues that, homosexuality is not strictly a global northern issue; but also, an African phenomenon, even though it meets with unprecedented resentment and resistance due to received religions and socio-cultural stereotypes. The objective of this study is to examine, interpret, and analyze the texts, and showcase the deplorable attitude of Africans towards LGBT practitioners. The analytical framework is based on indebt examination of the tests, using Queer and Deconstructionist perspectives as theoretical constructs. The study reveals that no form of sexuality is superior to another, as a result, no form should be encourage or discourage, because sexuality is innate. Also, heterosexuality is seemingly a sexual preference in Africa, but wrapped – up in a cluster of homosexuality which existence is behind the scene in Africa.
VL  - 8
IS  - 6
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Author Information

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang

Department of English and Cultural Studies, The University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Charlotte Munge

Department of English and Cultural Studies, The University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

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APA Style

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang, Charlotte Munge. (2020). Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree. International Journal of Literature and Arts, 8(6), 326-334. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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ACS Style

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang; Charlotte Munge. Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree. Int. J. Lit. Arts 2020, 8(6), 326-334. doi: 10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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AMA Style

Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang, Charlotte Munge. Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree. Int J Lit Arts. 2020;8(6):326-334. doi: 10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14,
  author = {Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang and Charlotte Munge},
  title = {Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree},
  journal = {International Journal of Literature and Arts},
  volume = {8},
  number = {6},
  pages = {326-334},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijla.20200806.14},
  abstract = {This study demonstrates that prejudices towards homosexuals in Africa are stifling. Such bigotries stem from deeply rooted African traditional beliefs, and partly from the “ideals” of adopted religions. It is, therefore, unlikely for conformists of heterosexuality to experience resistance and homophobic tendencies. Adherents to this view include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinelo Okparanta in there texts The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree respectively. These writers also hold that restraints, constraints and exclusion of all sorts form the caucus of xenophobia towards homosexuality in Africa. The paper argues that, homosexuality is not strictly a global northern issue; but also, an African phenomenon, even though it meets with unprecedented resentment and resistance due to received religions and socio-cultural stereotypes. The objective of this study is to examine, interpret, and analyze the texts, and showcase the deplorable attitude of Africans towards LGBT practitioners. The analytical framework is based on indebt examination of the tests, using Queer and Deconstructionist perspectives as theoretical constructs. The study reveals that no form of sexuality is superior to another, as a result, no form should be encourage or discourage, because sexuality is innate. Also, heterosexuality is seemingly a sexual preference in Africa, but wrapped – up in a cluster of homosexuality which existence is behind the scene in Africa.},
 year = {2020}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Deconstructing Sexuality and Xenophobia in Africa: A Critical Discourse on The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree
AU  - Elisabeth Noumbouwo Mimiafou Ayuk-Etang
AU  - Charlotte Munge
Y1  - 2020/12/04
PY  - 2020
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14
T2  - International Journal of Literature and Arts
JF  - International Journal of Literature and Arts
JO  - International Journal of Literature and Arts
SP  - 326
EP  - 334
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2331-057X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijla.20200806.14
AB  - This study demonstrates that prejudices towards homosexuals in Africa are stifling. Such bigotries stem from deeply rooted African traditional beliefs, and partly from the “ideals” of adopted religions. It is, therefore, unlikely for conformists of heterosexuality to experience resistance and homophobic tendencies. Adherents to this view include Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinelo Okparanta in there texts The Thing Around Your Neck and Under the Udala Tree respectively. These writers also hold that restraints, constraints and exclusion of all sorts form the caucus of xenophobia towards homosexuality in Africa. The paper argues that, homosexuality is not strictly a global northern issue; but also, an African phenomenon, even though it meets with unprecedented resentment and resistance due to received religions and socio-cultural stereotypes. The objective of this study is to examine, interpret, and analyze the texts, and showcase the deplorable attitude of Africans towards LGBT practitioners. The analytical framework is based on indebt examination of the tests, using Queer and Deconstructionist perspectives as theoretical constructs. The study reveals that no form of sexuality is superior to another, as a result, no form should be encourage or discourage, because sexuality is innate. Also, heterosexuality is seemingly a sexual preference in Africa, but wrapped – up in a cluster of homosexuality which existence is behind the scene in Africa.
VL  - 8
IS  - 6
ER  -

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